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LSU football's secondary was hailed as one of the SEC's best in 2025. A retooled unit led by transfer CB Mansoor Delane and transfer S AJ Haulcy was elite. The newcomers, like Delane and Haulcy, along with five-star true freshman DJ Pickett, got much of the attention.
But I want to talk about a player who wasn't new to LSU in 2025 — cornerback PJ Woodland.
Woodland signed with LSU as a three-star recruit in 2024. He was one of the higher-ranked three-stars, but he wasn't considered a blue-chip recruit. Still, Woodland drew rave reviews in his early days on campus, discussed as a player who could see the field right away.
Woodland saw a handful of snaps in 2024, playing 174 snaps and earning a spot as a depth piece.
In 2025, Woodland asserted himself as a starter, playing 614 snaps and bringing versatility to LSU's defense, lining up in the slot and on the outside.
Woodland's passer rating when targeted was 54.8, which ranked No. 5 among SEC cornerbacks. His 74.5 PFF defensive grade ranked No. 16 among the same group. He registered five pass breakups and two interceptions, along with five pressures and a sack.
It was a good year, a really good year.
In 2026, Woodland has the chance to elevate even further. With Delane off to the NFL, Woodland and Pickett will be LSU's top corners on the outside. More will be asked of Woodland, but he's answered every question thus far in his career.
The ceiling for the rising junior in 2026 is All-American.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football cornerback ready to elevate to superstar status in 2026
Continue reading...
But I want to talk about a player who wasn't new to LSU in 2025 — cornerback PJ Woodland.
Woodland signed with LSU as a three-star recruit in 2024. He was one of the higher-ranked three-stars, but he wasn't considered a blue-chip recruit. Still, Woodland drew rave reviews in his early days on campus, discussed as a player who could see the field right away.
Woodland saw a handful of snaps in 2024, playing 174 snaps and earning a spot as a depth piece.
In 2025, Woodland asserted himself as a starter, playing 614 snaps and bringing versatility to LSU's defense, lining up in the slot and on the outside.
Woodland's passer rating when targeted was 54.8, which ranked No. 5 among SEC cornerbacks. His 74.5 PFF defensive grade ranked No. 16 among the same group. He registered five pass breakups and two interceptions, along with five pressures and a sack.
It was a good year, a really good year.
In 2026, Woodland has the chance to elevate even further. With Delane off to the NFL, Woodland and Pickett will be LSU's top corners on the outside. More will be asked of Woodland, but he's answered every question thus far in his career.
The ceiling for the rising junior in 2026 is All-American.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football cornerback ready to elevate to superstar status in 2026
Continue reading...
